Candle-Gazing Meditation

This brief meditation will walk you through the steps of setting up a candle-gazing meditation. You are welcome to enjoy the watching of the fire for much longer and if you have a fireplace, that would work well too! The goal is to stare into the flames to allow the mind to settle into stillness, then release the flame as you release the things that no longer serves you.

Transcript

Let's begin.

Take a deep breath in and a full breath out.

For this candle gazing meditation,

We'll want to sit in a dark room in an upright posture with a tall spine.

And as you settle into your seat,

Take some deep breaths coming into your body and coming into the present moment.

Grab your candle and matches or a lighter and prepare to light the candle.

Strike the match and light your candle to witness the flame moving from the matchstick to the candle wick.

That transfer of energy,

Allow that to transfer you deeper into the present moment.

Place the candle in front of you at eye level about an arm's length away so that your eyes don't need to strain but have a soft downward gaze at the flame.

Gaze at the flame with soft eyes.

Allow your breath to be natural,

Finding your own rhythm.

Observe the flame as she dances.

Focus your attention on her.

Notice the shapes as they move and transform.

Pay attention to the colors,

The shifting.

Perhaps your breath moves in the same rhythm as the flame.

As the flame dances,

You remain still.

In your stillness,

Consider something that you want to let go of.

A feeling of resentment,

A desire,

A pain.

Choose whatever you want to leave you.

Something that no longer serves you.

Watch the colors of the flames.

Watch as it shifts and moves.

And if you feel the need to close your eyes,

You can do so.

Just visualize the flame in your mind's eye.

Take a deep breath in and a full breath out,

Keeping in mind what it is you want to let go of.

Take a deep breath in and this time let it out with a big blow.

And blow out the candle,

Seeing the flame disappear.

And imagine what you wished to be gone floating away in that cloud of smoke.

Take another deep breath,

Settling into the space.

Sit as long as you need to enjoy the peace of this meditation.